Plan Your Visit

“I would like to thank you and your team for running a great climbing centre and hope it will continue to run well. Looks like you need to expand!” (Eirik)

Not from around here?

Climbers from abroad should be aware that we do not use in situ belay devices fixed to ground anchors. Top-ropes are provided on many of our routes but you are expected to be able to belay from your harness and provide your own belay device. You can hire non-locking belay devices, ground anchors, harnesses and climbing boots from The Castle Shop. Registration forms are also available in Spanish, French, German and Italian.

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First Visit

New to climbing or just new to the Castle? If it’s your first time visiting us and you’re not sure where to start, please read the information below:

Bouldering - You don’t need to be an experienced climber to enjoy the bouldering at The Castle. However, if you’re not experienced you’ll need to watch our Bouldering Safety Induction Video before you complete the Unsupervised Climber Registration Form. You can also book onto our Discover Bouldering course to learn how to boulder safely and make the most of the bouldering we offer. Please note that the Bouldering Only Registration will not allow you to use the roped climbing areas or supervise novice climbers.

Top-rope and Lead Climbing - To do the roped climbing (top-roping and leading) unsupervised you must be able to put on a harness, tie in using a figure eight or bowline knot and belay someone safely using a belay device. If you don't know how to do this, you can come in with a friend as a Novice Climber. Your supervisor must be a registered Roped Climber at The Castle. You can complete the Novice Supervision Form online - both you and the Supervisor must complete the same form. You will only be able to climb under their supervision. Alternatively, book onto one of our Learn to Climb courses and you'll be handling the ropes in no time.

Abseiling- You can only use our Abseil Tower if you are supervised by an Instructor. If you'd like to have a go at abseiling, book onto a Taster Plus or contact us for a private booking.

All unsupervised climbers must read our Conditions of Use and Rules. Read the forms carefully because we'll quiz you to make sure you’ve read them when you register!

Castle Registration

Everyone wishing to climb in the centre must complete a registration form - either the Unsupervised Climber Registration or the Novice Supervision Form. There is no charge for this. You will need to complete a new form every three years to ensure that you have read our most up to date conditions of use and rules and that the details we hold for you are current. See Admission and Membership for prices.

You may not top-rope or lead if you have a bouldering only registration.

You can upgrade to a roped climbing registration for free at any time.

Novice supervision

Registered adult (over 18) roped climbers may supervise up to two novice climbers. If you are planning on bringing a novice, please check our novice supervision page.